Dolphin surfboard fin, sailboard fin

ABSTRACT

The lateral wing sits on top of the vertical section of the fin. This enables the lateral wing to work separately in function and also together with the vertical section of the fin when the Dolphin fin is being moved through the water in different angles and directions. This revolving aspect allows for greater holding power on sections of the wave and acceleration and turning power.  
     Of course the fin on leaving the water acts aerodynamically guiding and giving lift to the surfboard going through the air, allowing the board to be manoeuvrable and directional in the air.

[0001] I was looking to improve the performance of surfboard design.Looking for more manoeuvring, acceleration and stability.

[0002] The feature that characterises this fin is the lateral finattached to the vertical section of the fin. As the name indicates theshape resembles that of a Dolphin or Porpoise. It is filed from thefront edge thinning out to the rear edge much in line with theaerodynamics of a boomerang. This gives the fin the ability to turn thesurfboard in the water but also give the board more response when it isair born, thus allowing more aero stunts. The lateral feature of the finallows the rider to use lateral forward drive as a dolphin does inpropelling himself through the water rather than relying on the commonvertical fin currently in use.

[0003] The fin is designed to be used in a thruster configuration as thetail fin, with the standard vertical fins used forward of the DolphinFin. It could also be used single fin as in sailboard or on a yacht.

[0004] The fin is made of fibreglass, but could be made of material suchas plastic. The lateral fin is held on to the vertical section by use oftwo screws inserted from the topside of the fin. It is also reinforcedwith resin and fibreglass. The vertical and lateral pieces are cut intoshape before they are assembled. Also sanding the foils of the verticaland lateral parts occur before being put together.

[0005] I feel this design sets it apart from other fin designs becauseof its reliance on lateral drive in the water which dominates its effectin riding conditions rather than the usual dorsal fin.

[0006] It gives great acceleration and power in performance thanstandard fins. This creates an innovation in surfing performance.

[0007] I claim that the lateral-wing-fin on top of the vertical fin actstogether to drive the surfboard as a dolphin uses its rear lateral finto drive itself through the water striking the front wing part of thefin, holds the board down in water during turns.

[0008] I claim that the lateral-wing-fin acts aerodynamically throughthe air giving the board ability to act directionally with stabilitywhile also giving lift to the board when it is air born.

1. I claim the lateral wing fin placed on top of the vertical fin actsseparately to drive and accelerate the surfboard along the water as adolphin: That the lateral fin acts together with the vertical fin togive the surfboard better turning ability and holding ability insections of the wave. That the lateral wing acts aerodynamically to givelift and direction to the surfboard while it is air borne.